Stennis Center for Public Service Winter 2024 Public Service Review

Floor Speech

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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues and all Americans to read the recently published Winter 2024 edition of Public Service Review.

The Review is a quarterly publication of the Stennis Center for Public Service. The Stennis Center is a federal, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the United States Congress to promote public service and strengthen the highest ideals of public service in America. Established in 1988 in honor of the late Senator John C. Stennis of Mississippi, the Stennis Center provides a variety of public service programs and development opportunities for young people, leaders in local, state, and federal government, and congressional staff. In addition to its Starkville, Mississippi, headquarters, the Center also has a Washington, D.C. office on Capitol Hill. I am proud that several members of my staff, including my Chief of Staff, my Staff Director on the Committee on Education and Workforce, and my Education Policy Director on the committee have served as Stennis Congressional Staff Fellows in the 115th, 117th, and 119th Congresses respectfully.

The Winter 2024 edition of Public Service Review comes at a pivotal moment as we are in the early months of a new Congress and a new administration. In this time of transition, elevating the importance of public service is critical. The contributors to this edition, including senior public servants and participants in the Stennis Program for Congressional Interns, reflect on what it means to serve and to lead with purpose, integrity, and heart.

I am proud that this edition includes an interview conducted by Meziah Scott, a graduate of Virginia State University, of Michael Maul, Director of the Department of Planning and Budget for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Their conversation centers on adaptability and collaboration in the public sector, with Director Maul emphasizing the vital role of mentorship in building a stronger future for government leadership.

This edition includes other student led interviews by Cameron Mayers from the University of Mississippi School of Law, Adam Royko from Cleveland State University, Zahra Wakilzada from Georgetown University, Sydney Aalbers from Texas Tech University, Skylar Kil from Tulane University, Vivian Tarbert from Smith College, TaylorAnn Wooley from Black Hills State University, Javier Kowalchuk from the University of Florida, and Trinity Wilson from Alcorn State University.

Each of these students should be proud of the work they contributed to the Winter 2024 edition of Public Service Review. Their interviews of individuals who have devoted their lives to public service reflects the heart of this publication and the work of the Stennis Center--the belief that public service is enriched by diversity of thought, background, and experience.

Mr. Speaker, again, I encourage my colleagues and all Americans to read the latest edition of Public Service Review. The Winter 2024 edition and previous editions can be accessed online by visiting www.stennis.gov.